2022 Lincoln Nautilus vs 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was a fresh take on Hyundai's electrified mobility, distinct from the original Ioniq. It featured a minimalist exterior design with subtle character lines, but a closer look revealed a complex array of design elements, particularly the Parametric Pixel design. This design was heavily utilized in the vehicle's lighting, creating a concept-car-like appearance. The interior, however, was a stark contrast with its "Living Space" theme, offering a mellow and relaxing environment. Sustainable materials were used throughout, and the cabin featured a "Relaxation" mode for the driver's seat, enhancing comfort.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Nautilus, especially in the Black Label trim, was an attractive SUV with a balanced and detailed design. The Black Label trim offered unique interior themes like Chalet and Flight, featuring premium leather upholstery and luxury floor mats. The Nautilus greeted drivers with a Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence and provided a decadent interior experience. However, some elements like the center console design and chrome-plated plastic pieces felt a bit cheap. The Black Label trim included almost every available feature, making it a luxurious choice.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came in three trims—SE, SEL, and Limited—and offered both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The base SE Standard Range model featured a 128-kW rear-mounted electric motor with 168 horsepower and a 220-mile range. The extended-range models had a 168-kW rear motor producing 225 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a 303-mile range. The AWD variants had a dual-motor system with a total output of 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque, but the range dropped to 256 miles. The Ioniq 5 handled well on various terrains, and its Sport mode added excitement but reduced range. Paddle shifters allowed for adjusting regenerative braking, and the vehicle was notably quiet due to noise-reducing features.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus offered two engine options. The standard and Reserve trims had a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, with FWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. AWD was optional. The Black Label trim featured a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine with 335 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, requiring AWD. The Nautilus had Comfort, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with Normal mode providing the best balance. The twin-turbo V6 was powerful and efficient, averaging 25 mpg on a long road trip. The Nautilus was quiet and comfortable, with excellent grip from its 21-inch wheels, but the steering lacked engagement.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 was built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), offering a long wheelbase and maximizing interior space. It had a longer wheelbase than the seven-passenger Hyundai Palisade, providing a roomy interior with 133.7 cubic feet of total volume. The Ioniq 5 prioritized passenger comfort with 106.5 cubic feet of passenger volume. The interior featured soft touchpoints and a moveable center console, enhancing usability. The leatherette seats were comfortable and supportive, making it a pleasant space for both driving and relaxing.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label featured smooth leather, ambient lighting, and a quiet drive. The front seats were heated, ventilated, and offered 22-way power adjustments with massage functions. Rear passengers had heated seats and air conditioning vents, but legroom was tight for a midsize SUV. Storage space was adequate but not exceptional, with some hard-to-access areas. The luggage compartment offered 37.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 68.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 boasted advanced technology, including a high-voltage system with vehicle-to-load capabilities. It supported ultra-fast charging, reaching 80% battery capacity in 18 minutes, and could charge other devices or vehicles. The Ioniq 5 featured a redesigned Blue Link app, digital key, virtual assistant compatibility, and over-the-air updates. The 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment were elegant and anti-glare, providing clear information even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 4 software. Sync 4 offered over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The Black Label trim included connected navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a 19-speaker Revel audio system. The system was intuitive and user-friendly, with physical controls for stereo and climate settings. The Phone as a Key feature allowed the smartphone to unlock and start the vehicle.

The 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 came with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and collision avoidance. The Highway Drive Assist I system offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving with adaptive cruise control. The Ioniq 5 also featured a head-up display with augmented reality overlays. While safety ratings were not yet available, Hyundai's track record suggested high marks.

The 2022 Lincoln Nautilus included Lincoln Co-Pilot360 1.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Black Label trim added Co-Pilot360 1.0 Plus, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Nautilus received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not yet assessed the Nautilus.